String vibration after fitting a set of flatwounds.

[LaupR]

Hi I have significant string vibration on my A string and to a lesser degree on my E string. I have tried bridge and truss rod adjustments-no change. Could it be the nut, I have noticed that the E and A do not sit as flush in the nut as the D and G (see pic). If this is an issue, what can I do about it? Many thanks, Paul

 

[StyleOverShow]

Al the strings all tidy and wrapped around the tuners? If for instance you cut a string too short and it doesn’t have sufficient winds on the tuning peg they rattle when the open string is struck.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hi I have significant string vibration on my A string and to a lesser degree on my E string. I have tried bridge and truss rod adjustments-no change. Could it be the nut, I have noticed that the E and A do not sit as flush in the nut as the D and G (see pic). If this is an issue, what can I do about it? Many thanks, Paul

*Widen nut slots so string fits properly.
*3 + wraps per peg for adequate break angle.
*Bridge saddles sit squarely on base plate, do not tilt.
*Set witness points.

Riis

 

[LaupR]

I think so, have a look at the pic of the A string and let me know what you thinks

 

[davedamage]

They look a little high on the posts, maybe giving you a bad break angle.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I think so, have a look at the pic of the A string and let me know what you thinks

Not enough of a break on the E & A. The wraps should be “hitting the deck”.

Riis

 

[LaupR]

*Widen nut slots so string fits properly.
*3 + wraps per peg for adequate break angle.
*Bridge saddles sit squarely on base plate, do not tilt.
*Set witness points.

Riis

Thanks I will go through your checklist.

 

[LaupR]

They look a little high on the posts, maybe giving you a bad break angle.

Thanks

 

[LaupR]

I have checked and adjusted everything on the checklist, no joy. It looks like it may be the nut, thats the only thing I haven't adjusted.

Whats the most effective way of doing this, is there a special tool or will a nail file / piece of sandpaper do the job?

Thanks.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I have checked and adjusted everything on the checklist, no joy. It looks like it may be the nut, thats the only thing I haven't adjusted.

Whats the most effective way of doing this, is there a special tool or will a nail file / piece of sandpaper do the job?

Thanks.

…and that’s the FIRST thing that should have been addressed as all adjustments depend on a properly crafted nut.

Can you post a better-defined pic of the strings sitting in the slots and the results of your attempts at remediation? For example: how were you able to set your witness points? I'm reluctant to advise hacking on a nut slot until we're sure a too-narrow scenario is in-play.

Riis

 

[Fred Pantalone]

Coincidentally, this exact same thing happened to me yesterday when I installed a set of Dogal flats on my PBass. My A and D strings were vibrating but the vibration stopped when I placed my finger on the string at the nut with barely any pressure. I had never experienced this before and I was confused. I found this post along with a few others. Setting the witness points eliminated the vibration on the D string but not the A string. This post helped with the A string!:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/how-to-fill-a-nut-slot-properly.1303067/

After placing a little square of white printer paper under the A string the vibration is gone! I'm going to explore the baking soda/superglue option next.

 

[ihixulu]

Don't rule out the possibility of bad strings. If your bass was working fine, it shouldn't take too much effort to get a new set of strings working properly especially if the gauge is similar. I once got a bad Labella flat A string, it rattled no matter what I did. They sent me a replacement after a quick back and forth.

 

[LaupR]

Don't rule out the possibility of bad strings. If your bass was working fine, it shouldn't take too much effort to get a new set of strings working properly especially if the gauge is similar. I once got a bad Labella flat A string, it rattled no matter what I did. They sent me a replacement after a quick back and forth.

Thanks for that, I will try swapping it.

 

[LaupR]

Coincidentally, this exact same thing happened to me yesterday when I installed a set of Dogal flats on my PBass. My A and D strings were vibrating but the vibration stopped when I placed my finger on the string at the nut with barely any pressure. I had never experienced this before and I was confused. I found this post along with a few others. Setting the witness points eliminated the vibration on the D string but not the A string. This post helped with the A string!:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/how-to-fill-a-nut-slot-properly.1303067/

After placing a little square of white printer paper under the A string the vibration is gone! I'm going to explore the baking soda/superglue option next.

Thanks Fred

I've tried pressing on the nut, no joy unfortunately.

I am going to try packing the nut with some paper though.

 

[TheArchitect]

They look a little high on the posts, maybe giving you a bad break angle.

How do you determine that? You can't even see the posts in that pic?

 

[TheArchitect]

Not enough of a break on the E & A. The wraps should be “hitting the deck”.

Riis

Do not agree..

 

[Zooberwerx]

How do you determine that? You can't even see the posts in that pic?

We based our observations on the pic in post #4.

Riis

 

[davedamage]

I think so, have a look at the pic of the A string and let me know what you thinks

How do you determine that? You can't even see the posts in that pic?

 

[LaupR]

Thanks for all your replies, after a 3rd attempt at restringing the A string, this seems to have done the job. I have increased the "break" and reduced the buzz.